It took less than 24 hours after word that Prince had died last Thursday for the staffs of the Rialto Theatre, Loft Cinema and Club Congress to come up with a plan to honor the multiplatinum artist.
This weekend, the three venues will host βI Would Die 4 U: 2csonβs Tribute 2 Prince Rogers Nelson.β It kicks off at the Loft, 3233 E. Speedway, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, with a βPurple Rainβ sing-along, followed at 9 p.m. with a Paisley Park Dance Party at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
On Saturday, April 30, Rialto Theatre will hold a tribute concert hosted by Kitty Katt McKinley with several Tucson bands: The New Purple Generation with guests Najima Jamilah, Clif Taylor and Paul Jenkins, who will be accompanied by a small orchestra ensemble; Southwest Soul Circuit mainstays Kevin and Tanishia; KXCIβs Cathy Rivers performing βDarling Nikkiβ with Mike Mihina of Lovemound; Jaime J; postmodern chamber music wizard Chris Black and his ensemble; a rain stage (do you have any doubt it will be lit purple?); and lots more including a new mural from Joe Pagac.
A dance party follows.
Admission to the Loft event is the regular theater price ($9.50, with discounts); Hotel Congress is charging $3, but people who dress up can get in free. Rialto is charging $5 at the door and offering half-priced drinks to those who make an effort to dress up in Prince-esque attire.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Wingspan.
Rialto General Manager Curtis McCrary said in a posting on the Rialto website that βwhile we hate that Princeβs passing is the occasion that will bring us all together, we intend to embrace the joy that this wonderful performer, writer, and person has brought into the world.β
